CAG's shipwreck & mrs. shipwreck preview the new releases for the week of March 4th, 2008. This week we preview everything from big hitters like Kratos and Big Pappi to less fearsome pink squirrels and several different species of poultry.

Army of Two Dev. EA Montreal Pub. Electronic Arts Systems: 360, PS3 MSRP: $59.99Reaffirming the universal importance of that Buddy System your kindergarten teacher was so big on, Army of Two is not just a clever name. Partner up with either an AI teammate or an online friend, as you cause all kinds of destruction in this modern day third-person shooter. Given my past experience of relying on computer controlled characters to act responsibly (why are you just standing there in that corner, Wrex?), I'm guessing the preferred method of play is going to be with a friend... unless you have really stupid, uncoordinated friends. (If so, good of you, it shows a lot of character to be able to put up with them.) The fact this game was delayed and has kind of been incognito of late, has me worried a bit, but the gameplay footage and unique team-based strategies and abilities still make me optimistic. Maybe I should call up my old kindergarten teacher, Mrs. King, and see if she wants to give it a go. I'll even volunteer to hold the riot shield for her while she shotty's people in the face. Heck, I'd even let her call me Scarecrow. - ship

Best Deal:EB/Gamestop is offering two downloadable weapons including an exclusive with your purchase of Army of Two.

Bully: Scholarship Edition Dev. Rockstar Vancouver/Mad Doc Software Pub. Rockstar Games Systems: Wii, 360 MSRP: $49.99Rockstar's take on boarding school life graduates onto current gen systems as Wii and Xbox 360 owners get to step into the shoes of Jimmy Hopkins and his days at Bullworth Academy. You must conquer all the standard cliques and deal with the other trials of high school life through open-world adventures and built-in class subject based mini-games. This edition of the game includes eight additional missions, four new classes, new unlockables, and the Xbox 360 version features upgraded graphics and achievements while the Wii version Wii's up the controls. Seems like a good light-hearted tune-up for Rockstar's upcoming heavy hitter. - ship

Best Deal:There don't seem to be any specific deals for Bully: Scholarship Edition.

Major League Baseball 2K8 Dev. Kush Games Pub. 2K Sports Systems: PSP, PS2, Wii, 360, PS3 MSRP: $29.99-$59.99The only officially licensed baseball game for non-Sony systems returns with a new analog pitching mechanic that either makes the game more interesting or unnecessarily complicated. Just like every year, they claim to pretty much improve on every aspect of last year's game. They've added more minor league teams and stadiums (with more coming through DLC, yipee) and virtual card collecting, so if you're in the market for baseball game this year... well, this is pretty much the only one you have to choose from unless you go with our next game. - ship

Best Deal:There are several different freebies available depending on where you purchase Major League Baseball 2K8.

MLB 08: The Show Dev. SCEA Pub. Sony Systems: PSP, PS2, PS3 MSRP: $39.99, $59.99Sony's take on the American pastime includes a more conventional control scheme. Pitching is handled by a meter that determines speed and accuracy and hitting is accomplished by positioning with the analog stick and then pressing one of the face buttons. Pretty standard gameplay, but there is a lot of statistics going on in the background that make the game feel right. Based upon both the stats of the hitter and the pitcher, the catcher actually suggests pitch type and location for each pitch and batters also have access to the pitchers tendencies so that they can guess what pitch is coming. The whole thing has a nice sheen to it as well, so it seems like a perfectly acceptable choice if you feel the need to hit some balls. - ship

Best Deal:Circuit City is offering a mail-in certificate for a free baseball hat with the purchase of the PlayStation 3 version of MLB 08: The Show.

Ninja Reflex Dev. Sanzaru Games Pub. Electronic Arts Systems: DS, Wii MSRP: $29.99, $39.99I foresee a lot of Wii-motes being chucked at television sets around the world. Unless, of course you buy the DS version, which doesn't so much enhance your ninja skills as it does your stylus-wielding skills. Become a black belt without leaving your couch in this simple, albeit mildly entertaining party title. - mrs. ship

Anno 1701: Dawn of Discovery Dev. Related Designs Pub. Ubi Soft Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99It's up to you to colonize America, set up towns, define classes, and then tax the crap out of them. A really well done, capitalistic simulation that controls entirely with the stylus and is not just a port of the successful PC game. - ship

Best Deal:There don't seem to be any specific deals for Anno 1701: Dawn of Discovery.

Best of Tests DS Dev. Otaboo Pub. Conspiracy Systems: DS MSRP: $19.99By now, even those who can't get enough of these brain training games on the DS know that there isn't anything new or particularly different about the newly released titles. That said, this one uses the same five categories as the IQ test (logic, observation, memory, speed of perception, and analysis) and claims that playing the hundreds of challenge questions will not only calculate your IQ, but raise it as well. - mrs. ship

Best Deal:There don't seem to be any specific deals for Best of Tests DS.

Chicken Hunter Dev. Pub. Mumbo Jumbo Systems: DS MSRP: $19.99Yes, the gaming apocalypse is upon us. Chicken Shoot has spawned a sequel. Just kidding, it's not a sequel. Instead, some idiot at Mumbo Jumbo decided that of all the games, for all the systems, ripping off the greatness that is the ill-fated Chicken Shoot would be a great idea. I guess technically it was a flash-based PC title first. Yeah, good luck with that. - mrs. ship

Best Deal:There don't seem to be any specific deals for Chicken Hunter.

Eco Creatures: Save the Forest Dev. LightWeight Co. Pub. Majesco Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99Any real-time strategy game that features a herd of pink squirrels kicking the crap out of a large drill machine is worth a closer look. Mana Woods, the home to many a magical woodland creature, is being attacked by evil machines from the nearby Kingdom trying to flatten the trees. Yes, it's gaming with an Earth-friendly message. Gameplay involves defeating the machines throughout the various missions, nurturing your creature armies (which causes them to develop new abilities), and planting trees to restore the forest. Although the RTS elements are simple, there is enough to do with managing the troops to keep even a more experienced gamer content. Rumor has it that there will be both single and multicard multiplayer available, which makes this already appealing new title a bit more interesting. - mrs. ship

Best Deal:There don't seem to be any specific deals for Eco Creatures: Save the Forest.

Homie Rollerz Dev. Webfoot Technologies Pub. Destineer Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99Another DS title featuring a message: even stereotype-laden capsule-machine toys should aspire to have their own video game. If Bratz can pull it off, why can't the Homies? Homies, for those of you not familiar, are small Mexican-American figures created by David Gonzales and sold in those little machines outside of supermarkets. They can now be found in Destineer's quirky new DS kart racer. The game itself features ten Homies, including a talking chili pepper and one who drives a motorized wheelchair instead of a traditional vehicle. The cars (or wheelchair) can be pimped out with different weapons, and each character has his or her unique storyline. The goal is to earn RESPECT with every win. One question: does Destineer have a lawyer that thought this was a good idea? - mrs. ship

Best Deal:There don't seem to be any specific deals for Homie Rollerz.

Imagine: Figure Skater Dev. Pub. Ubi Soft Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99Ubisoft created the Imagine series as a group of games aimed at young (6-14 years-old) girls. In this installment, the gamer must balance school, skating, and friends. Game play involves using the stylus to jump, spin, and otherwise skate around. - mrs. ship

Best Deal:There don't seem to be any specific deals for Imagine: Figure Skater.

Let's Ride: Friends Forever Dev. Pub. THQ Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99Ship wouldn't let me write this entire preview in leet speak because he said that no one would be able to read it. The real question is would anyone care? - mrs. ship

Best Deal:There don't seem to be any specific deals for Let's Ride: Friends Forever.

Mystery Dungeon: Shiren the Wanderer Dev. ChunSoft Pub. Sega Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99This RPG has been a hit in Japan for years, and this first-ever US release looks promising. Game play follows Shiren and Koppa (his weasel friend) as they search for the Lair of the Golden Condor. The combat is a real-time/turn-based hybrid, and the dungeons are similar to those found in Pokemon Mystery Dungeons. There are three new levels, updated graphics and sound, and a tutorial mode not found in the Japanese release. Overall, it looks like a solid DS RPG title. - mrs. ship

Best Deal:There don't seem to be any specific deals for Mystery Dungeon: Shiren the Wanderer.

Spitfire Heroes: Tales of the Royal Air Force Dev. Big John Games Pub. Destineer Systems: DS MSRP: $19.99(Deja Preview) This flight combat title is based on real battles from World War II. While the game sounds like it could be fun, there are several things that worry me about this one. First, there are no real reviews available, just the same press release over and over and over. And the press release is pretty lame. Second, the developer is known for churning out mediocre games (except, of course, for Barnyard Blast). Third, I don’t know enough about the Royal Air Force to really care about this review. At least I’m honest. - mrs. ship

Best Deal:There don't seem to be any specific deals for Spitfire Heroes: Tales of the Royal Air Force.

Silent Hill: Origins Dev. Monolith Productions Pub. Konami Systems: PS2 MSRP: $29.99(Deja Preview) Silent Hill comes to the PSP PS2 in this newest visit to the scariest made-up place on Earth. Play as Travis O'Grady, the unfortunate truck driver who has gotten himself run off the road outside of Silent Hill. Cue the scary music. Much of the game-play is similar to what we've seen before, and along with the new-found portability, there's plenty of new stuff to keep you entertained. There's now a barricade system where the gamer can create rooms that are safe from enemies. Plus, there's an enhanced camera system. When it comes to the PSP PS2, any camera system that's not focused on someone's shoe in the corner is fine with me. Also, weapons get progressively weaker as they are used. There are puzzles to be solved in order to progress the game as you take Travis back-and-forth between the "normal" world and the super-creepy one. Silent Hill Origins is getting good scores from reviewers (82 average on Metacritic), so if you're a fan of this series, you shouldn't worry about spending your cash on this new portable direct port of the PSP version. - mrs. ship

Best Deal:EB/Gamestop is offering a free digital comic book with your purchase of Silent Hill: Origins.

God of War: Chains of Olympus Dev. Ready at Dawn Studios Pub. Sony Systems: PSP MSRP: $39.99Explore Kratos' past in this all new prequel to the original God of War. It's pretty much everything you would expect when you cram the series down into portable form. You've got your gratuitous violence (and sex), easy to perform combos, quick-time finishing moves, and reasonably easy environmental puzzles. All in all, a great game for the PSP, but it only clocks in between five and six hours. That said, I think I'm going to wait for the inevitable PS2 release that will likely come out at a cheaper price and be more to my liking in the controls department. Stupid nub. - ship

Best Deal:Circuit City is offering 50% off one PSP accessory with your purchase of God of War: Chains of Olympus.

Imperium Romanum Dev. Haemimont Games AD Pub. Southpeak Interactive Systems: PC MSRP: $39.99This strategy PC title is Sim City meets Caesar. It's also the sequel to Glory of the Roman Empire (also a PC strategy title). As the governor of your own province, you must build bridges, waterways, roads, and barricades. There are several different modes involving goals and historically accurate events and locations. This title is available for direct download from GamersGate for those who don't need the box and disc. - mrs. ship

Best Deal:There don't seem to be any specific deals for Imperium Romanum.

Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War - Soulstorm Dev. Relic Entertainment Pub. THQ Systems: PC MSRP: $39.99Another expansion for this 2004 strategy game that introduces two new classes and aerial units. Since the game has been out for over 3 years, I'm sure Warhammer fans can guess what this is actually like. If not, there is a demo available. - ship

Best Deal:There don't seem to be any specific deals for Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War - Soulstorm.

Super Turrican Systems: Wii (SNES) MSRP: $8What you would get if you mixed Contra and Metroid and really questionable art direction. Suit up in "Turrican Assault Suit" and shoot and jump until you save the day. - ship

Rocketmen: Axis of Evil Systems: 360, PS3 MSRP: $10Rocketmen is an overhead twin-stick shooter based around a WizKids property that I have honestly never heard of. That said, the game has sort of a Buck Rogers aesthetic to it and the gameplay reminds me a lot of the Dreamcast/Playstation game "Expendable". There are three different races and three different classes to choose from and you can customize and upgrade your character's abilities as you progress through the story. With up to four player cooperative play online and locally, this looks to be a fun multiplayer affair. - ship

Feedback:Did we miss a good sale on a game? Did we miss previewing a game completely? Well, the only way that everyone can know a better deal is out there is to let us know about it. Post deals you've found or games that we missed in the thread so that CAGs can make sure they are getting the absolute best prices on new releases.

Brawl? Oh Super Smash Brother Brawl. I thought you were tlaking about Brawl Brothers of the SNES or Rushing Beat II as it was called in Japan. I hope that they put that game in the virtual console soon.

If your big problem with baseball games is length, you should play the Road to the Show mode of MLB 08, which is their concentrated career mode. You only need to worry about your player and it'll skip all the unnecessary crap between at-bats and big defensive plays and even the games you aren't in the lineup. Pitchers get even better as you only play every five games unless you're a closer, though that lets you play shorter games more frequently than longer games every five days.

Listened to #34 and #35 back to back. Had #34 on in the car with one of my kids who asked "Is that woman farting while she's talking?"

All in all, both were great episodes. I had to try #34 which wasn't too difficult to listen to, but the quality was a bit down. I like to listen to both CAG podcasts and would feel somewhat empty if I didn't have my fix of CAG Foreplay.

The only major problem I have with listening to the Shipwrecks, is that I can't play all the games you recommend. Either I can't find them or I don't have the right systems. So far, all the games I have tried based on a "Shipwreck-ommendation" have been great. Not a single disappointment.

One idea for consideration is some "aft-play"... games that are now on the clearance lists that would be worth hunting down. I've been trying to find Hotel Dusk since it hit the CC clearance, but can not find it anywhere at any store, new, clearanced or otherwise. Then, based on Mrs. Shipwreck's opinion, I want the game even more.

Even better for me, there weren't any games you announced this week that I didn't know I was already getting that I feel a need to run out and buy. The Shiren game sounds interesting, as does Anno, but I'll probably wait on both of those, as I have a ton to play. And I knew I was going to get MLB08 months ago, so your preview did nothing for me.

I loved the Patapon music as the intro!!! I have to say, I want to play it more, but when I'm playing PSP, chances are I'm doing something else at the same time...usually watching TV or watching others play games on the big consoles. I think if I had a long commute via train or bus, I'd play it all the time there, and I'm thinking it's going to be more of a game I'd play while at my parents' house or while traveling (i.e. on airplanes).

Hey Ships, why don't you cover the weekly releases on GameTap or Steam? I realize you're not PC gamers seeing as you're Mac people, but there are a lot of CAGs who would appreciate at least seeing a list of what's out.

Honestly, I probably won't play it then. Judging from the demo and reviews, it's a great game, but I don't like to play 3D action games on the PSP. If I do get around to playing it, it will be well down the road when I can pick it up for around $15 well after I'm 100% positive there will not be a version I can play on a console.

Honestly, I probably won't play it then. Judging from the demo and reviews, it's a great game, but I don't like to play 3D action games on the PSP. If I do get around to playing it, it will be well down the road when I can pick it up for around $15 well after I'm 100% positive there will not be a version I can play on a console.

I know exactly what you feel. So many high quality adventure and action games, but on portables. I'm STILL struggling to get into Phantom Hourglass, waiting since October...

Firefly was fantastic show. Unfortunately, they killed off a majority of the main characters in the movie so bringing it back will never happen. Wish they hadn't done that, but at least now we have a definite "no" about the possibility of it coming back to TV. It was one of those that didn't have the following till it was cancelled.

Enjoy the show and make sure to watch Serenity after you finish the season.

Firefly was fantastic show. Unfortunately, they killed off a majority of the main characters in the movie so bringing it back will never happen. Wish they hadn't done that, but at least now we have a definite "no" about the possibility of it coming back to TV. It was one of those that didn't have the following till it was cancelled.

Enjoy the show and make sure to watch Serenity after you finish the season.

Firefly is great! When I finished watching it, I could not believe it was not still on the air. The Movie was a good cap to the series though.

Spoiler

2 charachters is not a MAJORITY of the main characters. They had nine to start with. Plus they introduced a good character that could become a main charachter

Ship, God of War is not coming to the PS2. Ready at Dawn has issued this statement.

Moving forward, we can confirm that Chains of Olympus will be our last PSP game as we’re moving on to other projects and other ideas on other consoles. We can also confirm that this will be our last God of War game as, just like Daxter before it, there will NOT be a PS2 port of the game. We like our games PSP exclusives

Shipwreck,
The reason someone would want the old Smackdown games is to have older rosters that have wrestlers now in TNA instead of WWE (Christian, Kurt Angle, Dudley Boys/Team 3D, etc.) or dead (Chris Benoit and Eddie Guerrero.) I got Smackdown vs. Raw 07 for the 360 through Goosex after selling it long ago so I would have at least 1 game with Chris Benoit on it still.

On the rebroadcasts of WCW Monday Nitro WWE does on their on-demand service, they edit out all Chris Benoit matches, and there's talk of when they redo new DVD sets for stuff like Wrestlemania, that they would edit out the Benoit matches there also if they're a one-on-one match.

Also the bobblehead offer on 2K8 and the hat offer on MLB 08 The Show are not store specific, they are coupons included in the game you redeem online.

If you have a Sony system definately get The Show as 2K8 is loaded with bugs and framerate issues Kush Games is trying to fix with an upcoming patch that make the game almost unplayable if you're logged into your XBox 360 account while playing.

Edit: I would also say the hottest selling title, at least in St. Louis, is MLB The Show for PS3. I had to go to 10 stores between Wed. and Friday to find a copy, and as I type this, all stores in St. Louis are sold out of it. In the PS3 thread on the game, people are reporting the 40GB PS3 is going in and out of stock at Amazon.com, so apparently this game is helping to push PS3 sales also. Really weird but I guess if your other choice is crap (2K8) then it may be the breaking point you need to get a PS3.

sorry if i missed this, but did mrs. shipwreck play the new Agatha Christie adventure game for the Wii? i was listening to Joystiq discuss it and Justin said everything is good except for the graphics.

I'm a new listener (but a Cheapass for over a year now), and I finally got around to hearing what all the commotion was about!!

I was all, "Why the heck does Cheapy have these 2 random people preview teh games on his website????" But now that I've heard you guys, I have to give you some major kudos! You make a good team, and you have some great humor in there!

I heard you guys posted an unintentionally funny wedding pic? I've been looking for it and can't find it!!!!

I'm going to show my wife a sound clip or two later, so she can see the magic! Maybe she'll play more games like Mrs. Shipwreck after listening? HA HA! Probably not...

(Oh, and don't tell Cheapy I said this, but I think I like your podcast way better! )

Shipwreck,The reason someone would want the old Smackdown games is to have older rosters that have wrestlers now in TNA instead of WWE (Christian, Kurt Angle, Dudley Boys/Team 3D, etc.) or dead (Chris Benoit and Eddie Guerrero.) I got Smackdown vs. Raw 07 for the 360 through Goosex after selling it long ago so I would have at least 1 game with Chris Benoit on it still.

Me personally, I go to Caws.ws and make the wrestlers I want that aren't on the game. That way I can even have people that have never been in the WWE, such as Samoa Joe, AJ Styles, or even Britney Spears!

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